On Tuesday, Jan. 6, Commissioners discussed bonuses for Sworn Charles County Sheriff’s Office Bargaining Unit Members. The request would provide a $1,000 bonus to sworn officers, as was offered to county employees. Sworn officers were not included originally due to language in the collective bargaining agreement between the Fraternal Order of Police and the County. Because items with budgetary impact must be advertised in advance before being voted on, Commissioners did not hold a vote on the matter on Jan. 6. Commissioners stated that they will follow up on the discussion at a later date.
Periodically, Commissioners discuss staff’s efforts to advance the Commissioners’ Goals and Objectives. During the Jan. 6 meeting, staff discussed their work towards Resiliency and Sustainability. Some examples of these efforts discussed include:
- Water Resources
Charles County Government is currently in the design phase for the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) Waldorf Water System Interconnection. The line would provide the Waldorf water system with 5 million gallons per day (MGD) of potable water. A long-range project for a new Potomac River Water Supply Treatment Facility is currently in the feasibility and planning stage.
- Climate Change
Staff continues to review County-owned buildings and facilities for potential energy retrofits to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Work also continues on the Residential Drainage Improvement Program, an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)-funded program that seeks to identify, repair, and improve drainage infrastructure. Projects funded by the ARPA program will be completed by Dec. 31, 2026.
- Land Preservation:
Charles County continues toward its goal of ensuring that 50% of the county’s total land area is preserved as protected open space. As of 2025, Charles County currently sits at 107,125 acres of protected land.
- Environment
Charles County Government continues to strengthen its community cleanup efforts. In 2025, 47 communities took part in the combined Community Cleanup and Potomac River Watershed Cleanup efforts.
- Terrah Dews, Associate County Attorney, presented Proposed Bill 2026-01: Compensation for County Commissioners. The bill enacts the recommendations of the Charles County Compensation Commission regarding compensation for the county commissioners. Commissioners unanimously adopted the bill and scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, at 6 p.m. Commissioners also unanimously approved a resolution from the Compensation Commission.
Proclamations
Charles County Commissioners recognized the following proclamations:
- 2026-01 National Mentoring Month
- 2026-02 National Pan-Hellenic Council Recognition Month
- 2026-03 National School Choice Week
- 2026-04 Catholic Schools Week
- 2026-05 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and Beyond
Actions on Boards and Commissions
Commissioners took the following actions on county boards and commissions:
- Appointed Michelle Gillam-Lyons as a member of the Nuisance Abatement Hearing Board.
Approval Items
- A budget amendment increase of $30,100 to pay an invoice from the Chesapeake Bay Trust for a project that is funded by the Forest Conservation Fee-In-Lieu for forestry purposes.
- The purchase of a sponsorship for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast at the "Salome Howard" level of $1,500.
- A letter to the Maryland Stadium Authority requesting financial and construction management services from them. The request would facilitate improvements to the baseball field, a new clubhouse, and training facilities at the stadium.
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